Mayor Rawlings Announces ‘Men Against Abuse’ Advocacy Campaign

Rally against domestic violence scheduled for March 23 at City Hall Plaza

Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings announced the launch of “Men Against Abuse,” an advocacy campaign to put an end to domestic violence in our community. The primary audience and messaging for this campaign are the men of Dallas. A downtown rally is scheduled for Saturday, March 23 at 10 a.m. at City Hall Plaza, during which men will be encouraged to unite in the effort to stop abuse.

Men stand in support of Mayor Rawlings at DMA

“It’s time to shine a light to domestic violence and the mark it leaves on a community, much like we’ve seen in recent years with smoking and drunk driving,” Mayor Rawlings said. “We need the men of Dallas to know that one time is one too many—that we won’t settle for less than zero tolerance of domestic violence.”

Casey Cox, the brother of Karen Cox Smith, who was brutally murdered last month by her estranged husband, joined Mayor Rawlings in the Horchow Auditorium at the Dallas Museum of Art, along with dozens of religious, business and civic leaders.

“It’s not enough for men to promote nonviolence in our own homes. We must ensure the next generation of men understands what it means to be a gentleman and how we should treat women—at home, at work, in a dating relationship, or in a marriage,” said Crayton Webb, board president for Genesis Women’s Shelter Men’s Auxiliary HeROs (He Respects Others). “Talking the talk isn’t enough. We must truly understand that being a man has nothing to do with violence.”

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr said he’s been troubled by the number of NFL players arrested for domestic violence during his five years in the league. He urged local athletes to become involved in the advocacy campaign and rally.

“Because athletes are looked at as role models by our youth, it’s extremely important for us to stand up against domestic abusers,” Carr said.

Dallas Cowboys cornerback Brandon Carr

Mayor Rawlings is targeting 10,000 men for the March 23 event but is hoping thousands more attend.

“I want fathers to bring their sons because this is undoubtedly a learned behavior,” Mayor Rawlings said. “We have a unique opportunity to change the mindset of the next generation of Dallasites.”